Sweet Sixteen

[eyepah]

I inherited a 16 gallon stainless keg. FOR FREE!

I can handled the torch cuts. But where do I get it acid washed? What does it cost?

All help appreciated!

[ray m]

Can't answer your questions, eyepah. But just had to comment on the AWESOME score!! How'd you manage that?

[eyepah]

Actually, I rescued the sixteen gallon keg from an abusive home.

The inhabitants had a party a year ago, drained the keg (originally filled with a Lienenkugels product) Then buried it in the garage under numerous items, including car bras, bikes, and other junk. Come to think of it, there was an unplugged deep freezer as well....hmmm...

[gallowd7]

I've got one that's been propping up my boat trailier for the last 6 years. As soon as I get motivated to build a support I'll be cutting into that puppy.

Why would you acid wash it?

[Otis_The_Drunk]

If it is stainless No problem acid washing it but if it's aluminum or any kind of alloy I wouldn't use an acid wash, do to the fact once acid is introduced to aluminum or alloys they release certain things that you wouldn't want in your beer.
I would think a really good soaking and then using your normal brewery sanitizer would do a good job.

[eyepah]

Here is the information you all are looking for:

Quote from Brewmonkey:

Acid washing is done to passivate the stainless. IT should be done especially if you have used any kind of torch on the kegs to cut. If the keg has been cut on or welded you will need to passivate it to extend the life of the keg.

Before you use and acid wash you need to clean the surface with a decent cleaner, something like PBW and follow that with the acid wash. Once you have washed with acid it will need to sit out to air dry for at least 24 hours and have another washing before use. It is good to follow up with an acid wash every few months.

What you want is an Nitric/Phosphoric acid blend. Five Star chemicals makes Acid #5 that is used for passivation. While it is usually done through a CIP it can be hand applied through a spray bottle as well.